Novel strategies for nanostructured covalent functionalization of graphene and 2D transition metal dichalcogenides

Graphene and 2D transition metal dichalcogenides, receive a lot of interest as functional nanomaterials. To enhance or modify their chemical or electronic properties, surface modification is often required. Strategies whereby molecules adsorb on these surfaces or strongly bind to these surfaces are very promising. The broad scope of chemistries renders this approach very attractive. However, beyond the functionalization as such, another important element is the spatial control of this surface modification. Most strategies lead to spatially random, or at best spatially weakly controlled functionalization. To bring the functionalization to a higher level, spatially controlled functionalization is required, preferentially at the nanoscale. In this project, we investigate and optimize new covalent functionalization and nanostructuring strategies for graphene and 2D transition metal dichalcogenides. Such functionalized surfaces can be of interest for a broad range of applications ranging from nanoelectronics to sensing to name a few.

Keywords:graphene, molybdenum sulfide, scanning tunneling microscopy, nanostructuring, surface modification

Disciplines:Photochemistry